Ernie Warlick facts for kids
| No. 84 | |||
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| Position: | Tight end | ||
| Personal information | |||
| Born: | July 21, 1932 Hickory, North Carolina |
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| Died: | November 24, 2012 (aged 80) | ||
| Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||
| Weight: | 235 lb (107 kg) | ||
| Career information | |||
| High school: | Ridgeview (Hickory, North Carolina) |
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| College: | North Carolina Central | ||
| Undrafted: | 1954 | ||
| Career history | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||
Ernest "Ernie" "Big Hoss" Warlick (born July 21, 1932 – died November 24, 2012) was a talented American football player. He played as a tight end, a special position in football. Ernie was known for his amazing skills in both American and Canadian professional football leagues.
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Ernie Warlick's Early Life and College
Ernie Warlick was born in Hickory, North Carolina. He was a star athlete in high school at Ridgeview. After high school, he went to North Carolina Central University. There, he played both basketball and football. His skills in college sports were truly impressive.
Playing Professional Football in Canada
After college, Ernie Warlick started his professional football career. He joined the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played with the Stampeders for four seasons, from 1957 to 1961. During his time in Canada, he was recognized as a top player. He was chosen as a CFL All-Star three times, from 1958 to 1960.
Joining the Buffalo Bills
In 1962, Ernie Warlick moved to the American Football League (AFL). He joined the Buffalo Bills team. As a tight end, he was a key part of their offense. He was known for catching passes and helping block for his teammates.
Bills' Championship Success
Ernie Warlick helped the Buffalo Bills achieve great success. The team won three straight Eastern Division titles. They also won two AFL championships.
In 1964, the Bills won their first AFL championship game. They beat the San Diego Chargers 20-7. Ernie caught two passes for 41 yards in that important game. He had an average of 20.8 yards per catch that season.
The Bills won the AFL championship again in 1965. In that game, some of the Bills' offensive linemen were injured. Ernie Warlick stepped up to help. He played a big role in blocking for the offense. He also scored the first touchdown of the game. It was an 18-yard pass from quarterback Jack Kemp. The Bills won that game 23-0 against the Chargers.
Becoming an All-Star Player
Ernie Warlick was a standout player in the AFL. He was selected to the AFL All-Star Team every year he played in the league. This means he was an All-Star in 1962, 1963, 1964, and 1965. This shows how consistently good he was.
Life After Football
After his football career, Ernie Warlick continued to make history. He became the first African-American sportscaster on Buffalo television. This was a very important step for diversity in broadcasting.
He received many honors for his work and contributions. In 1998, he was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame. In 2000, he received the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Distinguished Service Award. In 2005, he was inducted into North Carolina's Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Hall of Fame. This honor recognized his achievements in both basketball and football at North Carolina Central.
See also
- Other American Football League players
